Landscape Architecture at UT provides students with the skills and knowledge required for leadership in contemporary professional practice as well as the visionary ambition necessary to develop scenarios and strategies which will shape future environments beyond the status quo.

The UT School of Landscape Architecture is an exciting interdisciplinary degree program offered in partnership by the College of Architecture and Design and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. By leveraging the award-winning faculty expertise, facility resources, and strategic relationships of both colleges, the program is advantageously positioned to deliver an education in landscape architecture that is balanced across the applied arts and applied sciences. This partnership further enables the program to cultivate in our students the same spirit of collaboration that is so fundamental to contemporary research and practice of the profession.

The program offers five degree pathways: an accredited professional Master of Landscape Architecture degree (MLA I), a post-professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA II), non-professional Master of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Art in Landscape Architecture degrees, and the new, accredited professional dual Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture degree.

Degrees

Professional Degree: MLA I

Typically a student who has no previous education in landscape architecture takes three years to complete the MLA_1 degree. Applicants with major or minors in landscape design, or a degree in a related design field such as architecture or urban design may apply for advanced standing. Advanced standing applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and no more than a year’s advanced standing may be granted.

Typical career paths for students with this degree include working in private or public practice for landscape architecture firms, landscape architecture units within architecture and engineering firms, federal, regional, state and municipal government agencies, universities and colleges requiring professional licensure.

Non-Professional Degrees: MSLA, MALA

The Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MSLA) and Master of Art in Landscape Architecture (MALA) are intended for students interested in developing greater knowledge and understanding of landscape-related topics through coursework while simultaneously advancing a more specialized area of investigation. This degree will not prepare the student for professional licensure but will prepare them for career paths that will benefit from knowledge of landscape architectural design concepts, design thinking skills, and related fields such as ecosystem management, sustainable development, green infrastructure, and more. While 42 hours is the minimum number needed to satisfy these degree tracks, students have the option to work with advisors to craft a unique curriculum that allows for greater development of design skills or supporting knowledge as necessary. This track requires the successful completion of a robust thesis project.

Post-Professional Degree: MLA II

Students with a prior professional degree in landscape architecture such as a BLA or BSLA may also pursue the MLA II degree which is a post-professional degree track for students interested in further development of particular skills or who want to develop a particular area of research or specialization in the discipline. This track may also be of interest to professionals who are interested in a mid-career retooling of their skillset with new digital practices, contemporary theoretical paradigms, new material and tectonic strategies, and updated ecological models and tactics.

The Dual Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture degree (MArch/MLA)